Defending Champs Sign Ten For 2014

Feb 10, 2014

FULLERTON, Calif. – Cal State Fullerton women's soccer head coach Demian Brown announced the signing of 10 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent.

The Titans, who recently made their fifth NCAA Tournament appearance after winning their fourth Big West Tournament, bring in a diverse class with one goalkeeper, four defenders and five attacking players.

"I am extremely pleased with this year's recruiting class," Brown said. "These student-athletes have all proven to be successful both on the field and in the classroom. I look forward to the contributions they will make to our program and the University as a whole.

"I feel that we have added some outstanding players in positions that are extremely important to our program's success. We added some toughness and height in our defensive core, as well as, talented attacking players with the nose for goal and goalkeepers who will help to continue our strong tradition of dominating keepers. I look forward to adding these players into our program as we look to extend the successes of the past seasons."

The class of 10 will join 15 returners from the 2013 squad which completed the 2013 season with a record of 8-7-7 and led the Titans to the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Spring practice for the returning core begins on Feb. 24, and the Titans will host Cal Baptist on Friday, March 7, at 7 p.m. in Titan Stadium to kickoff their 2014 spring schedule.

Brown's 2014 class will enroll for the 2014-15 academic year.

Returners for 2014 include sophomore defender Morgan Batcheller - a NSCAA All-West Region third team selection. Big West second team junior midfielder Chelsey Patterson is also set to return to the pitch along with defender Jazzmin Mancilla, a member of the Big West Conference freshman team.

Fullerton's defense emerged as one of the best in the league last season, ranking atop the Big West statistical rankings in fewest goals allowed (17), goals against average (0.71), and saves (113), while standing tied for third in shutouts (7).

The 2014 Signing Class

Morgan Bertsch, GK, Simi Valley, Calif./Simi Valley HS/Valley United

High School: Played three years (2012-14) on the varsity squad for head coach Mike Popp…following her junior year (2013) was named Marmonte League Goalkeeper MVP…also played volleyball and is a scholar-athlete.

Club: Played for the Simi Valley Eclipse (U8-U-14) and Valley United (U15-U-19) for head coach Hugh Donald in Northridge, Calif., along with fellow signees Kim Braddock and Lindsay Stasinis…won the League Cup championship in 2013…in both 2012 and 2013, produced an undefeated effort at both the Las Vegas Showcase and the Texas Shootout…in 2012 also won the NHB championship…in addition, finished undefeated at November Nights in 2012…in 2010 won West Coast and SC Blues championships.

Head Coach Demian Brown:"Morgan is agoalkeeper with a tremendous amount of athleticism. Morgan's ability to cover the penalty area along with her distribution gives her a great foundation for becoming one of the next top keepers for our program."

Kim Braddock, F, Simi Valley, Calif./Royal HS/Valley United

High School: Played four years of varsity soccer as a forward and midfielder for head coach Kevin Corley alongside fellow signee Lindsay Stasinis…as a sophomore scored seven goals and added three assists…as a junior was named second team all-Marmonte League following a 10-goal, four-assist season…named a player to watch by the LA Daily News entering her senior year…a three-time scholar athlete…also competed in track and field her sophomore year and was a CIF qualifier in the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles.

Club: For five years played for Valley United Premier in Northridge, Calif., for head coach Hugh Donald along with fellow signees Lindsay Stasinis and Morgan Bertsch…championships included West Coast (2010), SC Blues (2010), CSL League (2010), NHB (2012) and League Cup (2013)…finished undefeated at the Texas Shootout (2012 & 2013), November Nights (2012), and the Las Vegas Showcase (2012 & 2103).

Head Coach Demian Brown: "Kim is one the hardest working attacking players we have recruited in some time. Her work rate and aggressiveness matched with her nose for the goal will make Kim a very exciting soccer player. I look forward to her developing into an effective Division I striker."

Alyssa Cabral, D, Montebello, Calif./Cerritos College

Junior College: Played two seasons (2012 & 2013) at Cerritos College in Norwalk, Calif., as a defender for head coach Ruben Gonzalez…a two-time NSCAA second team All-American (2012 & 2013)…as a freshman appeared in 23 matches scoring one goal and was named first team all-region and first team all-South Coast Conference…as a sophomore appeared in 25 matches and was named second team all-region and Co-South Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

High School: A 2012 graduate of Bishop Amat Memorial High School in La Puente, Calif…played four years (2009-12) on the varsity squad as a defender for head coach Ruben Gonzalez…a four-time Del Rey League first team selection…as a sophomore was named to the CIF Southern Section second team…a two-time CIF Southern Section first team pick in 2011 and 2012…was also named to All-San Gabriel Valley first team as a junior.

Club: Played from 2005-2012 for Beach FC, CRSC Infinity and ISC Strikers.

Head Coach Demian Brown:"Alyssa is an outstanding defender with a tremendous amount of experience playing at Cerritos College. I anticipate that her experience and maturity will allow her to transition quickly into Division I soccer and contribute anywhere on the backline."

Dominique DeCoy, D, San Diego, Calif./Del Mar Sharks

High School: Played three years of varsity soccer for head coach Peter Stoggsdill as a forward and defender…during her high school career has scored nine goals…also competed in two years of track.

Club: For 13 years has played club soccer, most recently for the Del Mar Sharks as a defender for head coach Felicia Kappes…championships include Regionals, Gothia Cup, National League, Far West Regional League, Surf Cup, Manchester Cup, State Cup Champions and National Cup Champions.

Head Coach Demian Brown: "Dom is a defender by nature and we anticipate her playing outside back for the Titans. Her ability to defend and attack out of the back are a perfect fit for our program."

Sarah Fajnor, F/M, Fullerton, Calif./Sunny Hills HS/Strikers FC

High School: Played four years (2011-14) of varsity soccer as a forward and midfielder for head coach Jeff Gordon…the Lancers have won three Freeway league championships…in 2011 reached the CIF Southern Section Division II quarterfinal scoring three goals and adding six assists while also earning the Coaches' Award…as a sophomore scored 15 goals and added four assists earning second team all-league and third team all-CIF honors as the Lancers reached the CIF finals…as a junior scored 21 goals and added five assists as the Lancers reached the CIF finals again…was named Freeway League MVP, second team all-CIF, and third team All-County in 2013…academic honors included Principal High Honors, Rotary Top 100 and three-time scholar-athlete…has also played softball and track and field…was a CIF qualifier in the 4x400 relay…Homecoming Queen in 2013 and was named the AVID Senior Standout as well as Senior of the Year as voted by her classmates.

Club: Played nine years of club soccer including the last three years with Strikers FC in Tustin, Calif., as a forward and midfielder for head coach Alex Camargo…also played in the Olympic Development Program...appeared in the summer and winter regionals pools in 2011 as well as the residential camp.

Head Coach Demian Brown: "Sarah is a true goal scoring threat. Her ability to beat players 1v1 and the speed to run past defenders makes her extremely dangerous. Her tireless work ethic, skill level and athleticism will make her a very exciting addition to our attacking unit."

Nicholle Frei, M, Irvine, Calif./Woodbridge HS/West Coast FC

High School: Played four years (2011-14) of varsity soccer playing forward, midfield and defense for head coach Michael Ditta…during her high school career has totaled 11 goals and nine assists…is serving as a co-captain during her senior season…has also competed in softball earning MVP honors on the junior varsity squad as well as MVP accolades for JV track and field, competing in the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles

Club: For five years has played for head coach Gus Castaneda at West Coast FC as a midfielder and defender…championships include Surf Cup (2012), Las Vegas Players Showcase (2012), West Coast Futbol Classic (2011), Far West Regional (2011), Phoenix President's Day Tournament (2011), Arsenal Tournament (2010), Real So Cal Tournament (2010), CSL Cup (2009) and Mustang Stampede (2009).

Head Coach Demian Brown: "Nicholle has a natural ability as a ball winner and will add the toughness and tenacity to our midfield group. I anticipate her stepping into a defensive midfield role for the Titans."

High School: A four-year (2011-14) member on the varsity squad, playing forward for head coach Janien McGowan…as a sophomore was named first team All-Area, team MVP and Offensive Player of the Year…also received the Jockey Club award…as a junior was named first team All-Area despite missing most of the South Yosemite League season with a broken collarbone…played the final seven matches of the year scoring six goals and adding five assists and helping lead the Mustangs to the CIF Central Section Division I championship match.

Club: Played nine years as a forward for the South Valley Strikes in Bakersfield, Calif., for head coach Shelby Klippel-Carter…championships included So Cal Summer Showcase and Players Showcase (2013)…Nomads semifinalist in 2013 and finished fifth in the Coast Soccer League.

Head Coach Demian Brown: "Tala is very talented midfielder. With her high skill level and great speed, I anticipate her logging time in our wide midfield role."

Kaycee Hoover, F/M, Brea, Calif./Troy HS/West Coast FC United

High School: In her fourth year on the varsity squad for head coach Ed Kephart at Troy High School…plays both center midfield and center forward….is a two-time second team all-Freeway League (2011 & 2012) selection and a first team all-league pick following her junior season in 2013 while also earning an All-County third team nod…named Troy's best offensive player in 2012 and 2013…also a two-time scholar-athlete.

Club: Has played four years for West Coast FC United for head coach Doug Swanson in Mission Viejo, Calif…championships include West Coast Futbol Classic (2013) and PDNPL (2013)…cousin Jeramy Bryant played football at Hawai'i and sister Shea Hoover plays soccer at Long Beach State.

Head Coach Demian Brown:Kaycee is an outstanding athlete and tremendous soccer player. She has an attacking mindset and the ability to play up front as a forward, out wide as a true wing or even in the center midfield. She will be fun to coach and I look forward to finding her best position for the program.

Serena Smith-Banas, D, Valencia, Calf./TCU/Real So Cal

2013: Did not play during the 2013 season. Enters 2014 with three years of eligibility remaining.

TCU (2012): Appeared in 12 games as a freshman at TCU, making eight starts...scored the game-tying goal with 13 seconds left in regulation against Kansas, forcing overtime...started the final eight matches of the season...assisted on Monica Alvarado's last-minute goal against Texas Tech helping the Frogs earn a tie... took a total of five shots on goal for the season.

High School: A 2012 graduate of Saugus High School in Saugus, Calif…played three years (2010-12) on the varsity squad a defender for head coach Natalie Helgeson…during her senior season scored three goals and added four assists…was named to the CIF Division I First Team and was also named the Foothill League Player of the Year after earning first team accolades…was named The Signal's 2012 All-Santa Clarita Valley Player of the Year and was named to the 2012 Daily News All-Area first team…as a junior scored six goals and provided two assists en route to first team all-Foothill League accolades…team won three Foothill League championships during her tenure.

Club: Played six years for Real So Cal under head coach Kristy Walker in Woodland Hills, Calif…championships included Manchester United (2009), Gothia Cup (2009), Cal South Premier League (2010) as well as Cal South National Cup Finalist (2010), and ECNL National Championship finalist.

Head Coach Demian Brown:"Serena is an excellent addition to our program. Coming into our program with Division I experience will allow her to hit the ground running. Her speed and height make her a menace for opposing players and a threat to opposing defenders and goalkeepers. I look forward to her developing into a strong center back for the program."

Lindsay Stasinis, D, Simi Valley, Calif./Royal HS/Valley United

High School: Has played four years (2011-14) on the varsity squad as a central midfielder and central defender for head coach Kevin Corley…as a junior was named first team all-Marmonte League and an MVP defender while recording two assists during the season…as a sophomore was named second team all-Marmonte League following two goals and two assists…during her senior year stepped on the football field and served as the team's place kicker – the first female to play for the Highlanders in school history…in the team's season-opening 28-27 victory over Golden Valley High School, went 4-for-4 on PAT kicks including the game winner…finished the season 32-for-36 in PAT kicks and was named a Marmonte League honorable mention…also competed in track and field and received the future star award.

Club: Played four years of central defender and central defensive midfield for Valley United and head coach Hugh Donald in Northridge, Calif…teammates with fellow signees Morgan Bertsch and Kim Braddock…highlights include finishing as Premier League (2011, 2012), and Nomads (2011) finalists…in addition finished undefeated at the Texas Shootout and (2012, 2013), the Las Vegas Showcase (2012, 2013) and November Nights (2012)…National Cup semifinalists in 2012 as well as NHB champions in 2012 and League Cup champs in 2013.

Head Coach Demian Brown: "Lindsayis a solid center back with incredible speed and the ability to read the game. Her timing into tackles and presence on the field make her a great addition to our defensive core. Her height and ability to head the ball along also makes her very dangerous on set pieces for us."